[crazymittens]

Appreciate the input! I've read that, but my first setup was nigh identical to the original BeanAnimal design and I still got air in the primary. I see your point...just not sure how to solve.

At any rate, it's silent...and failsafe...haha so it meets the BeanAnimal description well enough. I will experiment with a different primary siphon setup once the tank is functional and see if that makes any difference.

Also, since the sump should be 100% sealed, the air won't make any difference to CO2 saturation. This is a 'low-tech' tank anyways - no CO2 injection for now.


I think what you're suggesting is to either use the standard down-turned pri.siphon (like my secondary), or increase the depth of water over the mouth of the pri.siphon...yes?

 

[Phil Edwards]

I'd go with a downturned primary too, if you can. It may take a little modification, but I think you're good with that stuff.

re: powerbeads- LOL, gotta keep that autocorrect...powerbeads..*ahem* I was afraid of that when I saw they were the smaller models. Are you able to put them on the other side of the tank? What about back to front? How about one on either side along the back as far down as you can get without messing up the substrate? Lots of ideas...:iamwithst

 

[fishyboy]

Turn down the siphon, seal the fittings with cement. Keep the intake ~4 inches under water and you'll be air free.

 

[crazymittens]

Many many thanks to the valiant efforts of my friends. They came for hockey and moving the fishtank, ended up in the garage helping me sift the MTS and gravel!

Because of this, ALL gravel/dirt is separated and the tank/stand/sump are moved/shimmed into place!!!!

Compatriots
While I was busily un-planting the the 10G so we could reclaim the gravel/dirt

Cost of doing business

Wut...I have a garage!?
Been so long...

Separated into buckets

Tank in place!!

View from my favourite couch spot is...somewhat compromised

Piano, too

Tons and tons of overhead working room above the sump

I am so thankful the guys were willing to help. The tasty free beer I'm sure helped. They developed a pretty impressive assembly line for the separation and washing of gravel/mud. All of this work was accomplished between 7:30 and 10:00!! Would have taken me a week at least on my own...nevermind having no chance of moving the tank/stand. So exciting.

My wife was rather pleased to see how much progress we made, but mildly unplussed about how blocked the TV is. I miscalculated my drawrings it would seem. No biggie, TV can be moved over a bit.


So...next steps?

1. Find appropriate driftwood
2. Glue up plumbing
3. Resolve sump sealing issue
4. Make shrimparium/QT stand
5. Post-driftwood project, lay egg crate, then MTS/gravel
6. Plant!
7. Water!
8. Cycling!

I'm sure something is missing. It'll come to me.

 

[cableguy69846]

Nice man. But, don't you think the tank will detract from that big, beautiful tv? :hihi:

 

[crazymittens]

These days 50" is small! And we barely watch TV, so not really a big deal (like maybe 1hr a week). If it comes down to it, I'll just move the TV over 18" - the other side of the wall is unfinished, so fairly straightforward process.

 

[Phil Edwards]

I agree, the view is somewhat compromised. That tv's going to distract tank viewing.

I'm mighty impressed with all the planning and work that's gone into this crazy. Props to you and your happy face crew! I can't wait to see how this setup evolves. roud:roud:

BTW, what beer was that?

 

[crazymittens]

Thanks, Phil. To be honest, this has been an excellent lesson in understanding my limitations (cabinetmaker I am not) and 'learning how to ask for help' (things CAN be too heavy for one person). I suspect the cabinetry would be aided by accurate tools...but still.

If the tank ends up looking like I want and remains low-maintenance...I'll be happy!

Oh...Lake of Bays Brewing "Crosswind Pale Ale" and "Spark House Red Ale". Dang tasty beers.

 

[crazymittens]

So all glued up, aside from the return outlet. Cool. This means that once we get the hardscape sorted out....we can do water and planting!

New powerhead placement

Wire wrapping for powerheads

Aziz, light!

View from my desk

The only issue...I forgot about the whole 'power wiring entry into stand' thing. Ops...hole saw to the rescue! Also, I'm not sure how much effort I want to put into stand wiring, due to my equipment being so old.

 

[rustbucket]

Love the view from the desk.
My tank is flat against the wall, though scaping can be more of a challenge, I wish it had both sides viewable.

 

[ua hua]

Nice job, that's looking really nice.

 

[crazymittens]

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I think today we go for a driftwood hunt, definitely need larger pieces vs. the ones that worked in the 50G.

 

[crazymittens]

Well, we didn't find any good driftwood...going out again on Sunday. What can I work on until then...?

• Sump sealing
• Mixing up MTS
• Washing down inside of tank
• Ideas for ExOF lid
• Electrical
• Etc

Oooookay...

 

[crazymittens]

Not much to report...

• Electrical issues resolved (yay shims)
• Sump stuff can wait
• Aquascaping has begun...ugh

This is going to be harder than I thought....
I really want to do some caves/hidey places for the fish since all three sides of the aquarium will be open. Will be utilizing some large diameter pipe I think...

Neither of us like this look. Looks like random junk piles...

Phil, dump these in the sump, gravel, or MTS mix?

 

[Phil Edwards]

What are those? Clay balls with osmocote?

 

[crazymittens]

Haha, have not the faintest. They came in the Filstars with the tank as filter media. Assume they are hydroponic ceramic thingies.

You had mentioned incorporating them into the substrate, IIRC, but in the gravel, or in the dirt?

 

[Phil Edwards]

Soak them in a Potassium solution for a day or two, then put them on the bottom, kinda like Power Sand.

 

[crazymittens]

And not having potassium...put them on the bottom along with the dolomite and potash?

Wait...I can mush up a banana and soak them in banana mush...they're high in potassium, right?

 

[crazymittens]

Very quick update...leaving for Thanksgiving dinner#1 shortly.

Thoughts? The thing on the left has a cave and will get gravel on top for planting anubias and whatnot. Will also be trying to re-use the driftwood in the temporary tank.

 

[crazymittens]

Aw, dag. Took a closer look at the wood, it's thoroughly rotten. Back to the drawing board...